Virus Tied to Ag Fairs Spreading in Illinois
By: Jacob Long, WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: August 19, 2012
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health is confirming another case of a potentially dangerous virus.
It's called the H3N2v influenza virus, and it's a variant form of influenza A.
Illinois has three confirmed cases so far. All of them are children who came in contact with swine at fairs in central Illinois.
The children did not need medical treatment at a hospital.
More than 220 cases are being reported nationwide. Most infections are happening after contact with swine.
There is no evidence the virus is being continuously passed from person to person. So far the severity of the illnesses associated with this virus in people has been similar to the severity of illnesses associated with seasonal flu virus infections.
You're asked to take common preventative steps to stay safe, like washing your hands and not eating around livestock.
State leaders are taking proactive steps on fairgrounds, like keeping a vet on site and increasing the number of hand washing stations.
It's called the H3N2v influenza virus, and it's a variant form of influenza A.
Illinois has three confirmed cases so far. All of them are children who came in contact with swine at fairs in central Illinois.
The children did not need medical treatment at a hospital.
More than 220 cases are being reported nationwide. Most infections are happening after contact with swine.
There is no evidence the virus is being continuously passed from person to person. So far the severity of the illnesses associated with this virus in people has been similar to the severity of illnesses associated with seasonal flu virus infections.
You're asked to take common preventative steps to stay safe, like washing your hands and not eating around livestock.
State leaders are taking proactive steps on fairgrounds, like keeping a vet on site and increasing the number of hand washing stations.
